Clouds break for Splendour in Grass

MUSIC and mud under the moonlight, day one of Splendour in the Grass at its new Woodford home was given a huge thumbs up from festival goers.

The grey clouds that haunted the region for the past week made way for blue skies yesterday.

However, it was those who wore gumboots who stayed driest as the ground at the Woodfordia site remained sodden under foot.

Traffic woes that plagued campers, who arrived on Thursday, appeared to disappear once the tents and teepees took shape.

As big name acts, including Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and English dance act Hot Chip, prepared to take the stage last night, any bitterness about the four-hour wait some had on Thursday evening appeared a distant memory.

Caroline Graham, of Buderim, said Splendour's new venue was much larger than its former home at Byron Bay and seemed better suited to the 30,000-strong sold-out crowd.

“The main stage has a dance floor for revellers but the hillside setting is perfect for soaking up the atmosphere,” she said.

Scissor Sisters vocalist “Ana Matronic” said the band had performed at the festival at its NSW home but said she would reserve judgment on the new grounds until after the show later last night.

The band, often described as disco glam, would face off against slide guitar legend Ben Harper at the main stages, but “Ms Matronic” said it was nothing to be intimidated by.

“The way I see it, the one person who should be intimidated by this is Mr Ben Harper,” she said.

Ray Bans, skinny-legged jeans and gum boots were the tamer options for the fashion forward at the festival. Others pulled out all stops dressing as everything from Smurf cartoon characters, giant babies, native American Indian chiefs and even a crew of at least five were clad head to toe in wearable blankets or Snuggies.

Tonight, Wolfmother, Florence and the Machine, Australian music royalty Paul Kelly and The Strokes will battle for the crowd's attention.